Red Ribbon Club

Solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS & aimed at uniting the people in the common fight against the disease.

HIV/AIDS Youth Scenario

10 Million Youth (aged 15-24) worldwide are living with HIV.

New Infections / day: 6,000 youths.

In India: 15-29 years aged people- 31% of the AIDS burden.

In view of this, MOHFW, Govt. of India has proposed to establish a network with Universities and educational institutions to make people aware about HIV/AIDS.

Rationale behind focusing Youth

Sexual curiosity and risky behavior.

Limited access to correct information.

Formal Education Institute are generally silent on psycho-social aspects of physical growth and sexuality leading to mystification and secrecy around sex.

The epidemic among the youth remains largely invisible.

The youth are economically dependent and socially inexperienced and generally have less access to health care than adults.

Youth are the potential change agents who can protect themselves from the lurking of AIDS as well as be ambassadors in the fight against HIV & AIDS in particular.

Role of the Red Ribbon Club

Educate youth with correct, concise and adequate information and heighten their level of awareness about HIV/AIDS/STI/sexuality and other related issues (thus eliminate myths and misconceptions).

Enable youth, especially the female students, to identify and understand situations of exploitation and abuse.

Sensitize the youth regarding care and support needs of PLWHA and instill in them the spirit of helping and supporting the people living with HIV & AIDS (PLWHA) and reduce the stigma and discrimination against them.